Pompey's final test before the season begins comes when Charlton visit Fratton for a friendly on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues will be hoping to avoid another first-half disaster like the one that saw them go 3-0 down against Bournemouth, and put in a performance like the second-half one that brought a fightback to 3-2 against the Cherries.

The News reported that Ricky Holmes is expected to return to the Pompey squad to face Charlton. The winger has sat out two matches with a thigh problem, although was very nearly considered for the Bournemouth match.

Instead Awford opted to give him an extended period to recover but he is now in the frame for the clash with the Championship side.

Also expected to come back are Ryan Taylor (groin) and Ben Chorley (thigh) as Awford mulls over his starting line-up for August 9.

Danny East (groin), Tom Craddock (knee) and Wes Fogden (knee) remain on the sidelines through injuries.

Charlton’s squad is expected to contain former Pompey defender Tal Ben Haim.

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